In order to save money in a wedding budget, many couples have decided to result in DIY food stations to avoid the cost of catering and baked goods. While this creative soultion helps the family avoid extra expenses, it also allows the guests (especially children) partake in ways to create the meals that have exactly what they want on it! This cute idea gives the attendees a fun memory and allows the bride and groom to save their money for future expenses!

The anxious anticipation for the change in weather is finally over! Colored leaves and crisper air has given newly engaged duos a perfect excuse to start their save the date photographs! Couples take advantage of the autumn season to create a warm and loving aroma to present their big news! From writing on pumpkins to wearing your favorite football team’s jersey, tons of ideas have been flooding the internet for people to recreate! With so many romantic ideas out there, we decided to show off a few of our favorites!

After the excitement from a wedding day is over, many of the unnoticed amenities are gone to waste. Food is thrown away, dresses are never seen again, and DIY decor pieces are packed away in boxes. With the wedding season in full bloom, many couples are finding other ways to celebrate the huge stepping stone in their lives, while still giving back! Some small gestures, often go overlooked and aren’t seen as being beneficial, but last week, members of our team had the eye opening experience of meeting Danielle Calhoun, CEO of the Black Sheep Bride! Danielle explain her story of having the privilege of going to West Africa to help out a local orphanage in a third world country. She saw hundreds of people, women, children, elders, all trying their best to make due with what they had and find a way to put food on the plates of their families later on in the evening. As a photographer, she was able to capture the daily problems that other countries were going through and how much struggle there was. That’s what motivated her to start the Black Sheep Bride. The idea behind this website was to feature brides and venders who make selfless decisions to give back to their community and help out others in the surrounding areas. Simple gestures such as donating wedding gifts or making charitable funds an option on your registry can make a world of a difference to someone in need. Starting off as a small blog, Danielle’s ideas have flourished with more people are joining her movement everyday. With over 14,000 followers on Instagram, the Black Sheep Bride organization is something that is frequently talked about in the wedding industry by both brides and venders themselves. Thanks to Danielle’s passion and headstrong personality, we were able to see such a great movement that is only going to expand with the years to come! Interested in learning more about this organization and becoming a Black Sheep Bride yourself? Check out the Black Sheep Bride to see real life wedding stories that can inspire you to give back in a unique way on your special day!

As soon as the engagement shock is over, many couples are at a loss in deciding the perfect day to get married. While there are 365 days to pick from, there are certain times of the year that should be avoided! Our friends at theknot.com helped give us some days that many brides and grooms overlook when it comes to picking the right one to say “I do”!

Holiday Weekends

These few days have both pros and cons. One benefit is that you are able to have an extra day to celebrate the occasion (plus the bonus factor that most venues cost less on Sundays). A downside to this time frame is that most hotel and airfare costs double due to the season!

Religious and Cultural Holidays

Be mindful of religious and cultural holidays (your own and those of your guests) when planning your wedding. There may even be restrictions at your house of worship as to whether or not you’re allowed to marry at these times.

Major Sporting Events

If you or you guests happen to be die hard sports fans, it may be a bad decision to pick your wedding day on the same day as a certain game. Though it may sound like a silly reason at first, many brides and grooms choose to avoid these days in fear that it may conflict with other guest’s plans. Besides, would you really want your wedding party dressed in their favorite Super Bowl attire? ;)

For more helpful tips on the do’s and don’t’s for wedding date choices, be sure to check out Wedding Dates to Avoid!

With the fall season back in the air people are starting to think more and more about their dream wedding! A fun twist that has been popping up is dying the bottom of the bride’s wedding gown! This subtle ombre touch allows brides to express themselves in a unique way while still keeping a traditional look! Even though there are many mixed reviews, changing the shade of the dress can tie in the wedding’s colors or even provide the couple with something blue ;) Interested in learning more about this style? Check out Elite Daily’s post to get more inspiration and see if this trend is something that appeals to you!

Brooke & T.J. were such a beautiful couple to work with! Through simple but elegant touches of champagne gold and light pink, we had the lovely opportunity to take part in putting together the timeless and classy reception design! Along with the decor, we also had the privilege of coordinating later on in evening hours. With the help from our team and the staff at The Vault in Tampa, we were able to help these two create a wedding of their dreams :)

The Holidays are a time of being surrounded by loved ones, excitement of the festivities, and an unexplainable feeling of joy. The warmth of a fire, the laughter of children playing and the food that brings the family together are all things we look forward to during this special time of year. What better way to incorporate everything we love about the holidays into your Big Day! Many couples will be getting engaged this holiday season and potentially getting hitched in next year’s holiday season! Check out some warm and inviting chic ideas here.

Set the tone of the wedding by applying warm amber LED uplighting to create the effect of a cozy fire. You and your guests will feel relaxed and right at home amongst each other.

Event Design Amber Lighting and Lace overlay

Event Design Dark Amber Lighting

Centerpieces will be the focal point of the tables which you can use to showcase the holiday theme. You can be as creative as you’d like with this; integrating pinecones, cranberries or mistletoe.

Event Design Trio Vases with Pillar Candle

Event Design Manzanita Tree

Event Design Trio Vases with Floating Candle

One of my favorite looks of the season right now is the glamour and romance of lace! The intricate texture of lace is best paired as an overlay to a rich satin linen.

Event Design Lace Sash and Bow

Event Design Lace Runner

Among the many time honored traditions in a wedding, one of the biggest traditions are the bouquet of flowers the bride carries as she walks down the aisle. Bouquets are a warm expression of innocence and can be used to make a major statement piece.

Event Design Red Rose Bridal Bouquet

Event Design White Bridal Bouquet

Event Design Holiday Bridal Bouquet

Friends and Family will be amazed at the details you’ve thoughtfully put together for everyone to enjoy. Create a color palette of red, white, champagne, blush or gold, maybe even have the Dj play a few Christmas Songs! I encourage you to try at least one of these tips and get creative for your big day!